Garret

Do you have a really great concept, invention or scientific idea that you would like to develop and eventually sell to the world? If so, maybe you should consider writing a business plan and some white papers or scientific research papers to help you prepare. When should you start? Well if you are in the patent process, now is a good time to prepare your business plan and start writing some research papers, scientific journal articles or a few white papers to industry.

Perhaps you have some pictures to use to incorporate into your articles? Maybe you have a completed prototype too. Next, you need to consider which format you wish to write your research papers in. Your business plan will be for you and can be any decent format, but the research papers to be taken seriously need to be better considered.

Maybe you can also write a small eBook on the subject as well for the general public, your choice, either way you need to start on your Research Paper, realizing that you may not be an Academic type, that does not mean you cannot write a research paper, if you are extremely well versed in a subject matter. Besides if you can get it close and then you can have a real "research paper" person quote you on making it MLA perfect and perhaps use Japanese, Chinese, Australian, Chicago, Oxford styles too?

You should give it your best effort and it might fly. Since there are so many different accepted styles, sometimes getting close is good enough and then modify it for a conference or a specific scientific journal would be that next step. So get started ASAP.

L. Winslow is an Economic Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entrepreneur http://www.worldthinktank.net . Currently he is planning a bicycle ride across the US to raise money for charity and is sponsored by http://www.Calling-Plans.com and all the proceeds will go to various charities who sign up.

Speed reading programs vary greatly in terms of what techniques they teach, what they promise, and the actual outcome. This can be confusing if you have decided to explore speed reading for the first time, and had always thought (like many of us) that speed reading is a single concept or technique. Actually, there are at least two major approaches to speed reading that differ in fundamental ways. Most speed reading programs are based on one of these two major approaches to speed reading, though there are also a lot of individual variations between programs.

Traditional speed reading programs are based on something that we all do naturally - instead of reading a passage in detail, there are times when we just scan it, letting our eyes travel down the page quickly. With simple scanning, most people can read up to 600 or 700 wpm (words per minute), as opposed to 200 - 400 wpm when we are reading carefully, for comprehension. The first speed reading programs just improved on scanning. Many studies corroborate the fact that there is no need to read every single word in a passage in order to gain comprehension - the mind naturally fills in what we don't actually read. And to put it simply, the more we 'skip' while reading, the faster we read. Though this varies among individuals, it is generally true that a certain amount of material can be skipped without losing comprehension. Of course, some experts disagree, saying that speed readers typically comprehend only 50% of what they are reading, as opposed to 75% for regular reading.

Speed reading programs teach you to speed up the rate of your 'scanning' by leading your eyes across the page using the sweeping motion of a 'pacer' (which your eyes naturally follow) or by teaching you to use your peripheral vision while reading. Despite what some experts say about the low comprehension, there is considerable documentation of the efficacy of these speed reading programs.

Some of the newer speed reading programs work on a different principle. They argue that scanning the page in a linear manner, whether or not you read every word, is unnecessary; in fact, it wastes time. Rather, they posit that the human mind is capable of mentally 'photographing' a page - taking in everything that is on it in its entirety, in a very short period of time. Some speed reading programs claim incredible success rates based on this principle, though it remains controversial. Mainstream scientists are sceptical about these claims, arguing that the programs just teach people to scan really quickly, and that comprehension is poor.

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Explode your reading speed and comprehension with The New Science of Speed Reading

Among the questions that I hear constantly are:

"What fundraising events don't cost a lot?"
"What ones are easy to do?"
"Which ones make the most money?"

And what's the answer to those three questions?

It depends!

That's right. There is no one answer, no "one size fits all" solution.

Fundraising events vary tremendously

These type of fundraisers will vary greatly in cost, complexity, and results - based on a host of factors that are often not easy to control.

Events that don't cost a lot will often require more volunteer time to put them together.

Ones that are easy to do are often not the biggest money makers.

And, sometimes you need a crystal ball to figure out which ones would produce the biggest net return.

So, where does that leave us in our search for answers to our three questions?

It leaves us with a set of options or choices for event-based fundraisers.

Which events don't cost a lot?

Generally, the fundraisers with the lowest cost are those that involve direct labor in exchange for a donation or contribution.

Low-cost examples include the volunteer car wash or the charity bike ride.

Here, you want to use the "sweat equity" approach - volunteers sweat in return for equity for your nonprofit organization.

The key is to get a large number of volunteers who, in turn, bring along multiple donations.

Revenue is generated in proportion to the publicity effort for the event, done either in advance --- as in the case of the bike- a-thon --- or done at the same time (street-side signs, etc.) --- for the car wash.

Which events are easy to do?

The events that are easiest to conduct are the ones that are fun and of short duration. Examples include a group dinner, a "make believe" beauty pageant, or a mystery dinner theater.

Often, the largest part of the job is generating a good turnout. Communicating your need is central to all fundraising efforts, but for an event, it's critical.

By making your event fun to attend and short in duration, you make it more attractive to potential supporters.

The three types mentioned above are easy to put together:

Group Dinner

A group dinner involves organizing a group meal, usually at a restaurant although it can be potluck/buffet style as well.

Many restaurants are glad to host your get together and provide standard meal service while "rebating" back to your nonprofit organization roughly 15% of the total tab for your group's meals.

Beauty Pageant

A "make believe" beauty pageant, such as that offered in the "Queen Almost for a Day" package, is another way to have fun and raise funds.

Your group needs only a location, some volunteer contestants (including men), and a paying crowd to cheer on their laughable favorites.

Mystery Dinner Theater

Inviting everyone to a Mystery Dinner Theater creates another fun evening that produces a nice amount of revenue for your group.

Line up a large meeting room at a local restaurant, recruit your thespians from among the gregarious types in your community and you're ready to go.

Pre-packaged scripts are available from several suppliers. See our listings for fundraising event suppliers for details.

Which events make the most money?

Your fundraisers will be at their most profitable when you generate a massive turnout combined with a willingness of your patrons to open their pocketbooks.

Examples include school-based Athlet-a-thons and exclusive black tie charity auctions.

Kimberly Reynolds writes for national publications about school fundraisers, unique fundraising ideas and fundraiser activity ideas. Find more fundraising event ideas on her website, FundraiserHelp.com

After the cheerful summmer brights, fall and winter hit us with a sea of black. It figures. The designers would want us to buy a brand new wardrobe with each new season just to avoid looking out of place.

If you can afford just one item for fall, what would it be?

I would suggest you get a black jacket. The current jackets are mostly waist-length, or cinched at the waist either with a belt or cut to show off a woman's curves. That is a classic look which you can wear from one year to another.

Add to the fact that the black on black look is so hot for Fall to Winter 2007, and the return of the skirt suit, the purchase of just 1 black jacket would update your entire fall wardrobe and take you through winter and many more seasons to come.

First of all, do you already own a black skirt?

That black jacket would turn a basic black skirt into a skirt suit. Two looks are fulfilled here, the black on black look and the skirt suit.

If you have a pair of black pants, your black jacket can turn that into a pant suit.

Your favourite black dress gets a lift with a black jacket, fitting in nicely with the black on black look that is so popular this season.

Since that black jacket is going to update your entire wardrobe, you would probably wear it many times over. Pick a jacket that you really love. Don't worry if you have to pay more than normal. A cheap bargain basement jacket might be more expensive than you realize. It might cost you $19 but once you get home and try that with your other clothes, you would probably find that you look awful in it, that there is no way you would want to be seen in it so you would have thrown away $19 for just that 5 minutes worth of wear. Put it on, look in the mirror and toss it aside never to be worn again wear.

On the other hand, that absolutely gorgeous black jacket might set you back $800. But it looks so good on you and goes with everything you own in the wardrobw, you wear it every week, sometimes several times a week. It is a classic which you can wear year after year and is so well made, you could wear it for 10 years. Say you wear it once a week, autumn, winter and spring. That's three quarters of a year. Which would mean you would wear it 39 times a year. Over 10 years, that would be 390 times. That would amount to $2.05 per wear, which is a lot cheaper than that $19 for 5 minutes wear never to be seen again jacket.

Here is where you can get great Black Jackets to start with.

The writer is the webmaster of http://www.buy-jackets.com

What difference does it make to you if the sales person in a say group of a hundred you'd hire makes you the most money? Whether on top of the list or on the bottom, does it matter? It doesn't, the money is the same isn't it. So, thats what multi marketing is but you can do it all online.

You don't need to hire a bunch of people and all that associated overhead, grief, workcomp, office space, wasteful sales meetings, coffee clutches and 5 tons of excuses. Select the business that makes sense to you and then find companies that market you service or products.

Implement a marketing system these opportunity companies show you and start the prospecting process to find your " sales crew if you will". Once found, you can train them online, occasional conference call, and communicate mostly by email. No muss no fuss. So why all the grief the old fashion way?

Because people don't like to make change or learn new tricks. But for those of you that are still willing to make changes, there are some really great opportunities available and eliminate that that overhead and more importantly the daily on going never grind.

After years of self employment in the old dirt world we've had enough! So network marketing, mlm, affiliate marketing all boils down to the same thing. You make money and overrides from the efforts of others. So what's new? We've been doing this for hundred's of years. It's just that today we use modern technology and trim the fat. We're never too old to make a few adjustments.

The companies that use internet and online tactics need us to help duplicate the effort and that's great. They've gone through the hassles, trials, experimentation and costs to give us a roadmap that works. They also developed the services or product for us as well.

What else could we possibly need? I have friends who've spent tons of money in their businesses and I know others who work at home having fun, not all stressed out using multi level marketing tactics and make 3 to 6 times the money. If there's ever a time, this is it!

More on multi level marketing online

We're a society ruled by plastic and convenient shopping. The days of "Dodgy Dan's Emporium of Spurious Imports" are long gone, replaced with the clean convenience of web-based comfort and purchasing ease. Come to think of it, you can pretty much use your parents' or partner's credit details to buy anything from Mace to Tazers, from nanchuks to nightsticks and from night vision goggles to spy camera glasses.

I Spy
Spy camera glasses are fixtures of spy movies. The only thing more disturbing than the fact that they're used in everyday life is the possibility that there is a sufficient corresponding demand to warrant what appears to be a sizeable international market for it. Rather than being the reserve of some backwoods survivalist cult, a quick Google search will throw up any number of physical and web-based outlets where anyone in practically any country can purchase a set of spy camera glasses. These spy camera glasses can set you back anywhere from around US$50 for the school boy spy-on-the-girls-in-gym-class variety to thousands of dollars for the covert, top secret, high-grade, special forces military specification version that makes you feel you've had computers implanted in your cornea. A set of spy camera glasses like these may be the closest you can get to being either a T-1000 Terminator or an MI6 agent.

Now More than Fiction
Spy camera glasses do occupy an interesting place in the evolution of gadgets and widgets, from fantasy spy fiction right up there with Maxwell Smart's "shoe-phone" to real-life, not-to-leave-home-without essential secret agent equipment. In many ways, spy camera glasses hold a similar position in the world of modern day popular culture as video conferencing, remote satellite surveillance imaging, video telephones, and even the now humble cellular telephone.

No more than two decades ago, spy camera glasses were regarded as nothing more than childish fancies. The first time I came across the idea of a videophone conference was in a Disney comic circa the 1980s. Daisy and Donald were making plans via Uncle Gyro's new "fandangled crackpot invention" - a TV screen with a small camera built into the top casing connected to a telephone. Today, I can talk to my editor via the webcam/microphone device built into the top of my laptop screen. I remember the back pages of the same comic featuring ads for zit-makers, switchblade combs, sea monkeys, x-ray specs, and of course, some kind of practical joke spy camera glasses.

The Fashionable Spy
Spy camera glasses may have been fiction once upon a time, but they're not the fodder of books and comics anymore. As a matter of fact, these spy camera glasses evolved so much over the years you can now find them in any color and style. Most of the spy camera glasses on the market currently would look more at home on an Olympic speed skater or a gold medal-winning sailboard rider. Sure, they were cool back in the late eighties and even the early nineties, but a pair of these spy camera glasses are certainly not going to help even the most invisible of men keep themselves under cover and out of danger. Remember, when it comes to spy camera glasses or any glasses for the matter, fashion first - function later!

Go undercover with spy camera glasses! If you're looking for wireless spy cameras or just want to find out the latest in video surveillance, visit our site today!

If you were to look at a map of underground pipeline, you would find it resembles a road atlas on many levels. The crisscrossing intricate pattern of roadways provides safe and economic transportation to virtually any location, with large piping (much like interstates) feeding into smaller local pipes or arterials. Oil and gas pipeline is the most economic, efficient, and safe method of oil and gas transportation and distribution, but just like the United States' roads and highways, if they are not properly maintained and respected, pipelines can be dangerous to the public. Most of the general public is aware of precautions and regulations that must be followed on roadways, and there must be no less caution practiced when dealing with pipelines, large or small.

It is common sense to most citizens that digging into an interstate highway with heavy equipment is neither legal nor safe. This kind of disruption in the flow of traffic could have catastrophic results, causing accidents and delaying the public from reaching their destinations, even costing them wages and time. If the damage were severe enough it might even cost more tax payer's dollars or affect larger private interests. This kind of mistake is rarely, if ever, committed on interstate highways, yet construction crews and property owners cut into major pipelines frequently, creating a huge risk of human life. It should also be common sense that digging to any depth greater than a couple feet, especially on highly residential or commercial properties, without the certainty of the pipeline right of way is very dangerous. This should not be the only instance for precaution. Private builders are constantly building over pipeline easements endangering themselves and making it very difficult to maintain the pipeline. A simple inquiry to locate the exact location of piping on a property can prevent so many problems.

Private pipeline companies such as Chevron, WUTC, and Western Pipeline Corporation are primarily responsible for the safety and reliability of their pipeline systems, but it is extremely difficult to monitor the activities of every individual near a pipeline. Pipeline companies are required to post pipeline markers that serve as a warning for local pipelines, but they do not necessarily designate the location or depth of the pipeline. So it is still important to confirm the location of piping before beginning any building, farming, or excavation. If someone accidentally digs into a pipeline, whether they pierce it or not, they must contact the pipeline company immediately. Even if there is no immediate danger, a dent or cut in the pipeline may cause further corrosion in the future. If a leak is detected by sight or smell, then all persons should evacuate the area immediately, in the direction the wind is blowing, and call 911 Emergency Assistance.

Like roadways, pipeline transportation is a large reason for so many luxuries in the United States. However, unlike problems with roads and highways, the need for pipeline maintenance and caution hides beneath the surface of the earth, and as a result many people completely forget about it. If we exercised as much caution around pipelines as we do on our roadways, pipeline disasters would rarely occur.

About the Author: Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation
Western Pipeline Corp is a successful, private independent producer of oil and natural gas.

Few things are more frightening than suffering a medical problem while you are away from home. Fortunately, good planning can prevent most health mishaps.

When overseas travelers become ill, its usually because of an infection or disease that is contracted in a foreign country. But both international and domestic travelers are vulnerable to unexpected complications arising from pre-existing medical conditions.

Not everyone planning to board an airplane needs to visit his/her doctor. However, it may be important if you have a current medical problem. Check with your doctor before flying if you have

Anemia - If your hemoglobin level (measurement of a protein in red blood cells) is less than 8.5 grams per 100 milliliters, you may need supplemental oxygen during the flight because of the cabins reduced oxygen level. You must arrange this with the airline at least 48 hours in advance.

Heart disease - If you suffer from unstable angina, serious arrhythmias or congestive heart failure, you may not be fit to fly. If you have had a heart attack, wait at least two weeks before flying. All heart disease patients should consult their doctors before flying.

If you have recently had abdominal surgery, such as laparoscopic gall bladder removal, you should avoid flying for a few weeks. Any air that might have been introduced into your abdominal cavity during surgery will expand at higher altitudes, where cabin pressure is lower.

By the same token, a recently applied cast, which contains air bubbles, may become dangerously tight during flight as those bubbles expand and impede blood circulation to that area. Wait at least 48 hours after being fitted with a cast before flying.

Important: Pack all of your medical supplies in carry-on baggage, rather than in checked luggage. Many medications and batteries can freeze in the baggage compartments.

If you are carrying syringes, make sure you have a signed, stamped note from your doctor explaining why you need the syringes.

If you have a chronic disease, such as diabetes, emphysema or cancer, consider bringing a copy of your pertinent medical records. If you have heart disease, bring a copy of your latest electrocardiogram.

Certain travel destinations can also cause medical problems. A high-altitude location, whether it is a Colorado ski resort, Nepal or Peru-may be dangerous for those patients with heart or lung disease. The air is thinner at high altitudes, which means there is less oxygen available to breathe.

Asthmatics should check with their doctors before visiting heavily polluted cities, such as Bangkok, Beijing and Mumbai.

Even healthy people are at increased risk for illness while traveling. Nearly 30% of those visiting Mexico, the Caribbean and other popular tropical destinations experience travelers diarrhea, even when staying at top resorts.

Self-defense:Avoid local water (including ice cubes) as well as uncooked or under-cooked food. Bring loperamide (Imodium), which will help decrease your symptoms if you do become ill.

You can find more info on Heart Disease and Diabetes Care

You might not notice it but it is there! Cork flooring is now fast becoming the flooring of choice for most notable buildings such as churches, museums, hospitals, schools, libraries and hotels. With its excellent noise buffering quality and the comfort it provides to tired feet, who can resist it?

Isn't cork just for bottle stoppers? What is it really and how is it converted to building materials?

Cork is derived from the outer bark of the cork oak tree, Quercus suber, which is commonly cultivated in the Mediterranean. Among the major cork-producing countries are Portugal (which supplies 50% of the total world's demand for cork), Algeria, Spain, Morocco, France, Italy and Tunisia. In these countries, the trees are considered valued treasures. And why not? Cork is fast becoming a prime export commodity and having expansive cork oak forests translates to big local and foreign earnings!

The bark of the cork oak tree is typically harvested every nine or ten years. The harvested raw materials are then cleaned, boiled and have their rough outer bark stripped away. The finest slabs in the batch are then selected and from these, cork bottle stoppers are made.

Nothing ever goes to waste in the production process of these valuable resources. The scraps resulting from the manufacture of stoppers are collected and grounded into small granules. These are mixed with an appropriate binding material, molded into larger blocks and then baked to come up with the natural cork material which can be used for construction purposes.

Cork can be used in a variety of ways. They can be used in the flooring, walls and ceilings. They can even be formed into baseboards and moldings. Cork finds its way into most commercial, institutional and residential buildings due mainly to its moisture, mold and rot-resistant attributes. In most modern houses, cork materials can be found in almost all of the major rooms!

What makes cork such a hit in the construction of modern buildings?

Well, aside from the fact that it greatly reduces noise (offers up to 50 decibels noise reduction when used as a flooring underlay), cork has the following features:

. Durable. Cork is naturally resistant and recovers well from compression. Treating it with a protective finish further enhances this feature.

. Provides thermal and moisture insulation. Cork cells are multi-sided and have very strong and flexible cellular walls. They are joined together in a honeycomb fashion making them airtight and very resistant to moisture.

. Provides underfoot comfort. Cork's natural structure makes it compressible so that it provides a comforting feel whenever you step on it.

. Easy to clean and easy to maintain. Cleaning cork flooring can be done in a breeze! For waxed finished cork flooring, all you need is a dry or damp mop. Liquid solvent wax can be applied occasionally to maintain the glossy finish. Or for a more serious cleaning stint, you can use electric buffing using 00 steel wool discs. Lamb's wool pads can be used afterwards.

For polyurethane finished cork flooring, routine cleaning can also be done by using dry or damp mop. Refinishing it can be successfully done by using power floor machine with 00 wool disc and then applying polyurethane as per prescribed directions.

. Cork is manufactured without any significant negative environmental impacts. Cork-producing nations strictly enforce laws with regards to the harvesting and manufacture of cork. The barks of the trees are harvested in such a way that the trees survive the process and zero waste management techniques are imposed in the manufacturing procedure.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Flooring